OMAHA

my car has been leaking coolant when i run the AC.......however, after it purges it out, it will quit leaking but the overflow tub will be empty. so i put more coolant to fill up to level, but after i drive it it will suck it dry again. so i fill it up to level until it stays. then if i run the AC it will purge it out thru the overflow hose again.....i replaced the radiator cap but it still does it.....it doesnt purge out enough that the "coolant level low" light comes on.......HELP

dicer

Is it hot outside and are you driving at a constant at least 50 mph?
Possible things.
1 you initially put in too much coolant / water
2 fans not working
3 water pump and radiator efficiency
4 head gasket leaking and pressurizing the system
5 should have been number 2, air in the cooling system

OMAHA

these occurences happened when it was 90+ degrees. but when i drove at a constant 50+ miles/hour, the temperature gage was normal, however during stop and go city driving the temperature would rise close to the red area but not in the red area.

dicer

Fan problem

Bill Dowd

Did you check out to see if your radiator is clogged what you are describing it sound like a clogged radiator also check down between the radiator and the air condition condenser to see if there is a lot of built up junk. It happened to my car a ton of junk got in between the 2 and I had to clean it out. Also I go to the $2.00 car wash and spray the AC condenser and from inside the engine bay I wash the radiator towards the from of the car. I don't let the engine get wet cleaning both this will help big time. My last radiator lasted 305,000 miles my trick is to drain the block and radiator using Toyota red antifreeze with 50/50 distilled water every 3 years. I don't flush the block just change out the fluid I finally had to replace the old radiator due to it was starting to clog up with gunk it never leaked in 23 years this is one of the reasons the Lexus LS 400 is still the best car in the world. I now have 327,000 on the clock same motor trans and power steering just replaced the AC system expansion valve compressor and dryer. I have replaced the suspension system twice thanks to the great junky roads here California we now rank second worst in the US only in California!!!!

OMAHA

i noticed a hose underneath the battery that looks a little suspect......thoughts?

aptoslexus

Yeah, hoses aren't supposed to be kinked. There's a problem in both hoses pictured. I would definitely get that fixed immediately.

OMAHA

thanks, i will do that!

OMAHA

i also cleaned the condenser/radiator with a garden hose and alot of gunk came out! Definately need that.....thanks!